Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Here are some of the most common reasons for foot and ankle problems:

  • Injuries
  • Congenital foot deformities that occur at birth and can be hereditary
  • Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
  • Arthritis affecting one or multiple joints
  • Tumors, abnormal growths, and neoplasms
  • Issues that arise from ill-fitting or improper footwear, stress, or mechanical changes

Here is a list of some common foot and ankle problems people experience:

Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint that results from bone misalignment or repositioning at the joint. Although bunions occur most frequently at the base of the big toe, they can also arise on the outside of the foot at the base of the small toe.


Hammertoe: Hammertoe occurs when the second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, often as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Genetics, arthritis, and muscle imbalance can also cause hammertoe. With hammertoe, the toe bends downward, rather than pointing straight forward.

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue that runs along the arch of the foot to connect the heel bone and ball of the forefoot. Heel spurs are not the same as plantar fasciitis; however, the two are often associated. Since the plantar fascia is subjected to great amounts of impact and pressure while supporting the foot’s arch, it can become inflamed and irritated. In some cases, it begins to deteriorate.

Heel spurs: Spurs are outgrowths of bone. In the feet, they most commonly occur in the heel. The spurs usually develop in areas subjected to constant pressure. Heel spurs, or bone spurs in the heel, occur on the bottom of the heel bone as a result of calcium deposits forming over time. They frequently accompany the condition plantar fasciitis.

Ingrown toenails: Ingrown toenails, known as onychocryptosis, most commonly occur on the big toe and are caused by pressure that drives the edge of the nail into the surrounding skin. This results in pain, redness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes, infection. Clipping the toenails too short or exercising poor foot hygiene can also lead to ingrown toenails. Runners and those with toe deformities can also be prone to ingrown toenails.

Neuromas: Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue, or nerve tumors, that form when the nerves are irritated by surrounding tissue rubbing against them. Symptoms of a neuroma include intense pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, and/ or a burning sensation in the toes and forefoot area. Neuromas most frequently develop between the third and fourth toes.



Shin splints: Shin splints, a common condition, happen when the muscles or tendons surrounding the leg bone become inflamed, irritated, and painful, which can result from overuse, a collapsing arch, stress fractures in the lower leg bones, or imbalance between opposite leg muscle groups. Shin splints can be prevented by properly stretching prior to and after exercise, sports, or activity. Corrective shoes or corrective orthotics can also be used to prevent shin splints.

It is important for a patient to seek medical care as soon as possible, as immediate, proper diagnoses, treatments, and care can prevent problems from worsening or resulting in permanent damage.